What Jurgen Klopp Told Bruno Fernandes After Liverpool's Pre-Season Match Against Sporting Libson Last Year

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for Bruno Fernandes after the club's pre-season clash against Sporting CP last year - and even approached the midfielder at full-time to admire his work.

Fernandes' impact at Old Trafford since his £47 million move from the Portuguese side has been nothing short of remarkable.

As well as contributing in terms of his overall leadership skills, the 25-year-old has scored seven times in all competitions for Manchester United this season, contributing massively to their huge push for Champions League football in recent weeks.

He has also notched five Premier League assists and a handful of Man of the Match awards since making his debut against Wolves at the start of February.

But Bruno's success will have come as no big surprise to Liverpool boss Klopp, who had a word the midfielder when The Reds recorded a 2-2 draw against Fernandes' former side in pre-season.

"Good game. You've been good. Congratulations for the great game. You're a top player," Klopp told Fernandes, according to Portugease outlet O Jogo.

Klopp went on to praise Fernandes further in his post-match press conference after the game - a sign of his admiration for the talented midfielder.

"If he [joins Manchester United] then we will face him. He's obviously a really good player." Klopp said in his post-match press conference.

"They have already a few really good players, so that will probably make them stronger. It's not nice, but United's transfer dealings are] not our cup of tea, to be honest."

Fernandes' impact on the team as a whole also deserves a mention.

Since his arrival from Sporting Lisbon, United's standards have risen dramatically. Players are closing down quicker than ever. They are creating more chances and look dangerous on the counter-attack.

The fact that United haven't tasted defeat since he joined at the end of January says everything you need to know.

With the leadership of the Portuguese midfielder, who isn't afraid to tell his teammates what to do, a key element in their success of late, it looks like Solskjaer's side will push hard for that Champions League spot in the coming weeks.

Thoughts on the arrival of Bruno Fernandes? Do you think Manchester United will achieve Champions League football next season?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Bruno Fernandes, Liverpool, Football News, Football, Manchester United, Transfers, Sporting CP, Jurgen Klopp

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_